More testing completed this week.
He just finished wearing the heart monitor. He thought he was Iron Man wearing all the wires. I guess once a sci-fi junkie, always a sci-fi junkie!
We had more testing done this week, including a blood gas draw which is slightly painful. It goes into the artery in the wrist, through the muscle to monitor the oxygen levels in the blood.
Our insurance does not have a pulmonologist for us to see, so we are waiting to hear from their rep as far as how they are going to take care of getting us into one. ugh!! I don't enjoy the insurance game.
As of now, the only treatment is to use an inhaler four times a day to open his lungs and help him breathe.
We go back to see the cardiologist next Thursday and we have an appointment with an ENT doc to discuss the asthma options. I'm not convinced we really need to see the ENT but with the problems regarding the pulmonologist, I guess it's better than nothing. So we'll see.
Thanks again for your prayers for Josh. He really is an amazing kid.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Joshua - Update
Here is an update on what is going on with Joshua.
We went back to the cardiologist to get the test results. Here is what they are saying:
1. Severe Lung Disease
2. Severe Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension
3. Chronic Obstructive Asthma
They basically said he has the lungs of a 60 year old man with emphysema.
He still has really bad varicose veins in his legs but they are not going to address these until his lungs are stable.
Right now we are going for more testing and labs as well as being referred to a pulmonologist. They will be able to really get through the nuts and bolts of this. We really don't know what the treatment or plan is for now until we see the pulmonologist.
For right now, he is on NO activity. Nothing. Running, PE, riding his bike, etc.
Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and for Josh's anxiety over all this.
Please also be praying for my friend whose newborn baby is in critical condition in the NICU and on life support.
We went back to the cardiologist to get the test results. Here is what they are saying:
1. Severe Lung Disease
2. Severe Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension
3. Chronic Obstructive Asthma
They basically said he has the lungs of a 60 year old man with emphysema.
He still has really bad varicose veins in his legs but they are not going to address these until his lungs are stable.
Right now we are going for more testing and labs as well as being referred to a pulmonologist. They will be able to really get through the nuts and bolts of this. We really don't know what the treatment or plan is for now until we see the pulmonologist.
For right now, he is on NO activity. Nothing. Running, PE, riding his bike, etc.
Thank you for your prayers. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and for Josh's anxiety over all this.
Please also be praying for my friend whose newborn baby is in critical condition in the NICU and on life support.
Joshua
It all started with me just walking into his room. He was getting dressed.
For those of you with teenage boys, you know that you really don't see your son without pants on. For the record, Josh rarely wears shorts as it is too, unless he's in water.
So... I noticed these large, protruding, grossly rope looking, bulging veins in his legs. His left leg only below the knee, and his right leg from the calf to the thigh; I was shocked and asked him what was wrong with his legs (was I really expecting an answer here??). So, I called the doctor to schedule an appointment.
The doctor was concerned with the legs, therefore referring us to a cardiologist. (Note for later: he told me Josh was in the 5th percentile for his weight but no concern was mentioned.)
Last week we saw the cardiologist. After giving him the medical history on Joshua, (which is no easy task mind you), he examined Josh. He asked about all his scars on his ankles, asked about his breathing, asked why he was life flighted back to MU at 8 months, and other various questions.
The doctor then proceeded to make me feel like a horrible mom because Josh is so underweight. This is something I've always thought was normal for Josh and NO doctor we've been to, (including our family doctor), has ever been concerned given his medical history. I told him I always thought this was normal given his start in life, but he informed me Josh should be caught up by now.
After speaking with our family doctor again, he informed me that babies at 24 weeks gestation, back in 1990, did not live so there really isn't much history or information on the books as to what is considered normal. It's like Josh is a medical guinea pig in some form or another, and he told me to not worry about that for right now.
So back to the cardiologist appt... he did an EKG, then another EKG, and then ordered an ECHO to be done. I've never watched an echo, nor did I realize they last can for an hour. After the ECHO, the doctor came in and was speaking with the tech. I started writing everything down they were saying because I was starting to freak out. The doctor told me Josh has increased pressure in his right ventricle. He said he believes there is a blockage somewhere but it's not in his heart, most likely the lungs. He said he is thinking Severe Pulmonary Hypertension with some type of possible heart disease. He also noted Chronic Obstructive Asthma as a diagnosis too. He ordered blood work, x-rays, and a pulmonary function study to be done.
We just completed all the tests this week and will be back to the doctor next Wednesday to find out what is going on. I'm very concerned but am trying to just give this to the Lord and know he has a plan for all this and is not surprised about it. But I am.
Josh is doing okay right now although he is having some anxiety at night (or he's allergic to the cat Alex got for Christmas), but we're thinking it's anxiety. He is able to calm down once we do some deep breathing together, and sleeps through the night. I told him it's my job to worry and his job to get good grades, so we're gonna go with that for now.
SO... with all that said... please pray for Joshua to be calm, for the doctors to know how to best treat him, and for God to heal him.
For those of you with teenage boys, you know that you really don't see your son without pants on. For the record, Josh rarely wears shorts as it is too, unless he's in water.
So... I noticed these large, protruding, grossly rope looking, bulging veins in his legs. His left leg only below the knee, and his right leg from the calf to the thigh; I was shocked and asked him what was wrong with his legs (was I really expecting an answer here??). So, I called the doctor to schedule an appointment.
The doctor was concerned with the legs, therefore referring us to a cardiologist. (Note for later: he told me Josh was in the 5th percentile for his weight but no concern was mentioned.)
Last week we saw the cardiologist. After giving him the medical history on Joshua, (which is no easy task mind you), he examined Josh. He asked about all his scars on his ankles, asked about his breathing, asked why he was life flighted back to MU at 8 months, and other various questions.
The doctor then proceeded to make me feel like a horrible mom because Josh is so underweight. This is something I've always thought was normal for Josh and NO doctor we've been to, (including our family doctor), has ever been concerned given his medical history. I told him I always thought this was normal given his start in life, but he informed me Josh should be caught up by now.
After speaking with our family doctor again, he informed me that babies at 24 weeks gestation, back in 1990, did not live so there really isn't much history or information on the books as to what is considered normal. It's like Josh is a medical guinea pig in some form or another, and he told me to not worry about that for right now.
So back to the cardiologist appt... he did an EKG, then another EKG, and then ordered an ECHO to be done. I've never watched an echo, nor did I realize they last can for an hour. After the ECHO, the doctor came in and was speaking with the tech. I started writing everything down they were saying because I was starting to freak out. The doctor told me Josh has increased pressure in his right ventricle. He said he believes there is a blockage somewhere but it's not in his heart, most likely the lungs. He said he is thinking Severe Pulmonary Hypertension with some type of possible heart disease. He also noted Chronic Obstructive Asthma as a diagnosis too. He ordered blood work, x-rays, and a pulmonary function study to be done.
We just completed all the tests this week and will be back to the doctor next Wednesday to find out what is going on. I'm very concerned but am trying to just give this to the Lord and know he has a plan for all this and is not surprised about it. But I am.
Josh is doing okay right now although he is having some anxiety at night (or he's allergic to the cat Alex got for Christmas), but we're thinking it's anxiety. He is able to calm down once we do some deep breathing together, and sleeps through the night. I told him it's my job to worry and his job to get good grades, so we're gonna go with that for now.
SO... with all that said... please pray for Joshua to be calm, for the doctors to know how to best treat him, and for God to heal him.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Finally?
So we've been without internet for over a month in our house. How did we ever survive without it? It's been crazy for me to keep up with kids schedules for school, evites I didn't know I received, and church news. UGH!
We finally have joined the rest of the crazy people and got cable and high speed internet. Whew! I'm scared of that bill but so thankful for the services.
Now, I just have to keep the kids and hubby off the TV so it doesn't melt their brain!
Hope you're all staying warm where you are. If not, come see us in FL!!!! hee hee
We finally have joined the rest of the crazy people and got cable and high speed internet. Whew! I'm scared of that bill but so thankful for the services.
Now, I just have to keep the kids and hubby off the TV so it doesn't melt their brain!
Hope you're all staying warm where you are. If not, come see us in FL!!!! hee hee
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Elections Over... Now What?
The following was written on a blog I read and offers a fantastic view of what we do now as Christians following the election. Good insight.
The Morning After
It’s November 5. And as the old song from “The Poseidon Adventure” sang, “there’s got to be a morning after”. I realize that today’s news is likely captivating the attention of the majority of us who read this paper, so I don’t have any grand illusions that what a preacher writes today will gather much attention. But I want to speak to the Christian community in the aftermath of yesterday’s much anticipated vote.
There are some biblical principles that need to be remembered by us who claim faith in God regarding government and our responsibility to it. So whether this morning’s news makes you smile or kick the cat, these should apply to you. And take a minute to break out your Bible and read the passages I’ve included.
Human government isn’t perfect, but it is a God-ordained institution. Perfection was tossed out the window in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3) Whether your candidate is viewed as some kind of a messiah or the lesser of two evils, he isn’t going to usher in utopia. Yet God has created government to protect us from harm and to provide justice. (Romans 13:1-7) If our government misses those marks it will answer to God.
We’ve heard from all the politicians and pundits that our government is “broken”. Well, it was never perfect, not even when the ink was still drying on the Bill of Rights. (I will interject that it’s still the best the world has to offer!) Broken people can’t produce anything perfect. So, as God has done toward us, let’s extend a little grace.
Taxation is part of the deal and we’re to submit to it. Jesus gave that instruction to those listening and during great governmental corruption. (Matthew 22:21) Jesus said we’re to give to God what is God’s and to support our government. Caesar’s government, by the way, wasn’t known as being particularly fair. Regardless of what you may think, you still live a lifestyle higher than the rest of the world. Travel to a third world country and you’ll realize how blessed we are. Be grateful. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Sometimes we get what we deserve. Over and again when the nation of Israel in the Old Testament turned its collective heart away from dependence on God they found themselves in dire economic times. What’s a better wake up call? Unfortunately the American church in the last generation has tried to enact spiritual awakening via political and man-centered means. And judgment, we’re told begins in the “house of the Lord”, and rightly so. (1 Peter 4:17) Before we try to clean up our country we need to clean up ourselves first.
You have a dual citizenship. (Philippians 3:20) By God’s grace you are a citizen of a coming Kingdom. A perfect government is in our future. We just have to wait and be patient. The answer to all our ills is not in any man who occupies the Oval Office, sits on Capitol Hill or dons a black robe. Let’s hope things get better. But whether they do or don’t, your future is a bright one if Christ is your King.
One day wars will be over. (Isaiah 2:4) The economy won’t be a concern. No one will be needy or hungry or disenfranchised. Race won’t be an issue and borders will be removed. And we won’t have to watch any more political advertisements or hear any more speeches from candidates! We’ll live under the rule of a perfect Monarch, giving us a world we could never imagine. (Sorry John Lennon.)
Our responsibility is to pray for our leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Whether your man won or lost, it makes no difference. He needs your prayers. Why? “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Proverbs 21:1). God is the only One Sovereign in the truest sense. He’s got things under control, whether we can see it or not.
Rick Lawrenson is the Lead Pastor of Nags Head Church.© 2008 Rick Lawrenson
The Morning After
It’s November 5. And as the old song from “The Poseidon Adventure” sang, “there’s got to be a morning after”. I realize that today’s news is likely captivating the attention of the majority of us who read this paper, so I don’t have any grand illusions that what a preacher writes today will gather much attention. But I want to speak to the Christian community in the aftermath of yesterday’s much anticipated vote.
There are some biblical principles that need to be remembered by us who claim faith in God regarding government and our responsibility to it. So whether this morning’s news makes you smile or kick the cat, these should apply to you. And take a minute to break out your Bible and read the passages I’ve included.
Human government isn’t perfect, but it is a God-ordained institution. Perfection was tossed out the window in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis 3) Whether your candidate is viewed as some kind of a messiah or the lesser of two evils, he isn’t going to usher in utopia. Yet God has created government to protect us from harm and to provide justice. (Romans 13:1-7) If our government misses those marks it will answer to God.
We’ve heard from all the politicians and pundits that our government is “broken”. Well, it was never perfect, not even when the ink was still drying on the Bill of Rights. (I will interject that it’s still the best the world has to offer!) Broken people can’t produce anything perfect. So, as God has done toward us, let’s extend a little grace.
Taxation is part of the deal and we’re to submit to it. Jesus gave that instruction to those listening and during great governmental corruption. (Matthew 22:21) Jesus said we’re to give to God what is God’s and to support our government. Caesar’s government, by the way, wasn’t known as being particularly fair. Regardless of what you may think, you still live a lifestyle higher than the rest of the world. Travel to a third world country and you’ll realize how blessed we are. Be grateful. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Sometimes we get what we deserve. Over and again when the nation of Israel in the Old Testament turned its collective heart away from dependence on God they found themselves in dire economic times. What’s a better wake up call? Unfortunately the American church in the last generation has tried to enact spiritual awakening via political and man-centered means. And judgment, we’re told begins in the “house of the Lord”, and rightly so. (1 Peter 4:17) Before we try to clean up our country we need to clean up ourselves first.
You have a dual citizenship. (Philippians 3:20) By God’s grace you are a citizen of a coming Kingdom. A perfect government is in our future. We just have to wait and be patient. The answer to all our ills is not in any man who occupies the Oval Office, sits on Capitol Hill or dons a black robe. Let’s hope things get better. But whether they do or don’t, your future is a bright one if Christ is your King.
One day wars will be over. (Isaiah 2:4) The economy won’t be a concern. No one will be needy or hungry or disenfranchised. Race won’t be an issue and borders will be removed. And we won’t have to watch any more political advertisements or hear any more speeches from candidates! We’ll live under the rule of a perfect Monarch, giving us a world we could never imagine. (Sorry John Lennon.)
Our responsibility is to pray for our leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Whether your man won or lost, it makes no difference. He needs your prayers. Why? “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord” (Proverbs 21:1). God is the only One Sovereign in the truest sense. He’s got things under control, whether we can see it or not.
Rick Lawrenson is the Lead Pastor of Nags Head Church.© 2008 Rick Lawrenson
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Boys and Adventure!
Our 19 year old brought home a kayak/canoe type of boat this past weekend. The 10 year old was quite excited about this. He couldn't wait to take it out back on the pond/lake/water, whatever you want to call it.
So.. the 10 year old has been bugging me and being quite persistant about taking this boat out, by himself. I cleverly came up with an excuse about why he can't... there is no paddle with the boat and that would not be safe!
If you know the 10 year old... he is Mr. Resourceful. Sunday afternoon I hear banging and hammering of sorts. Since they were outside and not causing any trouble, I let the banging go and figured we'd run on a need to know basis and I didn't need want to know.
Well..... Mr. Resourceful made his own paddle. Quite the invention. It looks like a large golf putter, made of wood. You can see it in the pic below.
I thought you'd like to see what my boy does when he finally gets mom to say yes, and he has covered all the safety bases! He did look like a boy out on an adventure! Especially when he was out at the other end of the water, as far away as he could get from the house.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My New Favorite Site....
is www.myfoxhurricane.com.
It is a wonderful website with everything I want to see on ONE page. It tracks each storm that is churning as well as the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf, and Florida.
Check it out. You might like it too!
Happy storm season!
It is a wonderful website with everything I want to see on ONE page. It tracks each storm that is churning as well as the Atlantic, Caribbean, Gulf, and Florida.
Check it out. You might like it too!
Happy storm season!
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